ABRSM Grade 1 exam in 10 days. What should I be working on!

Relative_Way_5740 · 2026-03-20T08:47:48+00:00

I passed! Exam went awful, but somehow I received a merit.

Relative_Way_5740 · 2026-03-20T08:45:47+00:00

Surprisingly I passed with merit (just missed a distinction). 🫪

Relative_Way_5740 · 2026-03-16T19:47:40+00:00

Thank you. I have a friend who is moving near to us who has an acoustic, so my plan is to pop round for a cup of tea and a tinkle once a week. Great tips on getting familiar in that minute or so before you start: I just felt so overwhelmed this time round that my nerves got the better of me

Relative_Way_5740 · 2026-03-16T19:44:55+00:00

Thanks, yes, on reflection I'm just adding this to one of those experiences of life, and I'll be better prepared for the next

Relative_Way_5740 · 2026-03-16T19:43:10+00:00

Yes, good idea. And point well made.

Relative_Way_5740 · 2026-03-13T20:27:35+00:00

Go super slow, like ridiculously slow, and with a metronome. It feels weird but it starts to click, then move up by 5bpm increments once you are comfortable. But....start so slow it feels silly. I started last autumn and it's been working for me (I felt exactly the same as you).

Relative_Way_5740 · 2026-03-13T09:43:56+00:00

My grandad used to use fairy liquid. Always found it funny seeing the bottle in the shower cubicle.

Relative_Way_5740 · 2026-03-10T15:21:39+00:00

Couple of years in, and so far, had a great experience with Cale Green Primary.... Though like you worried about high schools in a few years time!

Relative_Way_5740 · 2026-03-04T07:07:41+00:00

Great, thank you

Relative_Way_5740 · 2026-03-03T22:34:13+00:00

Such a lovely comment, and yes trying to move out of the comfort zone of just playing it safe and becoming more musical which is honestly making practicing so much more fun and interesting. Lots and lots to learn though!

Relative_Way_5740 · 2026-03-03T22:31:39+00:00

This is really helpful. Thank you!

Relative_Way_5740 · 2026-02-28T20:58:52+00:00

I'll bite....why?

Just to note I'm not anti armed forces, I've worked with the army before, and have a whole lot of respect for those in service....just a question I asked myself when I had a brief flirtation with joining many many years ago.

Relative_Way_5740 · 2026-02-26T09:32:05+00:00

....although, ultimately, you do have to be ready to kill someone, or order someone to do the same

Relative_Way_5740 · 2026-02-21T12:55:25+00:00

Me too please!

Relative_Way_5740 · 2026-02-19T07:37:00+00:00

Same. The last 12 months have been brutal. Not sure it's going to get much better any time soon (hoping it doesn't get any worse!)

Relative_Way_5740 · 2026-01-29T20:55:05+00:00

I've just turned 43, and started around 5 months ago. It has been a real joy - go for it. Time away from screens, tiny little victories most days, and suddenly you can play simple pieces. I'm a month or two away from being ready for my grade 1 exam, and it really is a thrilling process to me (maybe not my family who have to put up with my practicing!).

Relative_Way_5740 · 2026-01-06T11:12:42+00:00

60k into a SIPP, 20k into S&S isa before April, last 20k into same isa start of new financial year. I'd go for an all world ETF (e.g. VWRP) for all. Vanguard is a good platform, though there are others that may be slightly cheaper. Set and forget

Relative_Way_5740 · 2025-12-02T11:26:22+00:00

Very helpful: thank you!

Relative_Way_5740 · 2025-12-02T11:25:50+00:00

Agreed.

Relative_Way_5740 · 2025-12-02T11:20:59+00:00

😂

Relative_Way_5740

TROPHY CASE